Financial issues dominated the agenda of the June 23 Idyllwild Fire Protection District meeting, as the commission began preparing for the coming fiscal year. The budget for fiscal year 2015-16 was adopted unanimously, 4-0. President Jerry Buchanan was absent. The preliminary budget was identical to the draft presented at the May meeting, according to Fire…

The newspaper received multiple inquiries about fireplace safety. So, we reached out to Idyllwild Fire Protection District Chief Mark LaMont for information.  During wintertime on the mountain, residents and visitors utilize fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves as additional heat sources. LaMont reminds everyone that “fireplaces can provide warmth and comfort, but if you are not…